The first stage in a programme of grants which it expects to make across Scotland, the grant programme demonstrates Allia’s commitment to social impact as an integral part of managing the Scottish Government’s Charitable Bond Programme.

The seven organisations receiving a share of the £150,000 are leaders in Scotland’s social enterprise sector and supporting the Scottish Government’s goals of working towards eradicating child poverty, preventing homelessness, growing the economy, tackling climate change and improving public services. Their well-researched plans needed a financial boost, and Allia’s grants are making the difference between ambition and reality:

• Albyn Housing Society – Empowering households in the Scottish Highlands, whose living conditions suffered during the pressures and changes brought by the covid pandemic, to make a fresh start.
• EPIC Think Learn – Providing free online support to parents of undiagnosed neurodivergent children in the Scottish Borders, so they can flourish despite 3-year waiting lists for assessments.
• Govan Home Team – Creating a Bee Highway, through training and whole-community involvement, in one of the least biodiverse areas of Glasgow.
• Govan Housing Association – Lowering the cost of living for Govan’s more vulnerable tenants; by getting the best from their new home insulation and restoring their home conditions.
• Simon Community Scotland – Boosting the development of, and services in, the new city centre Connect Hub.  The Hub can now open more frequently to increase its support to women experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Glasgow.
• The Tannahill Centre – Tackling food insecurity and child poverty in Ferguslie Park, Paisley.  The afterschool clubs, parents and older people have healthy meals during the expensive school holiday period, plus easy access to counselling.
• The Wheatley Foundation – Refurbishing and getting supplies for a third Glasgow Food Larder, in partnership with Good Food Scotland. Larders make food more affordable, provide choice, reduce isolation, enable volunteering and reduce antisocial behaviour. 

The Charitable Bond Programme has already proven essential in funding Housing Associations across Scotland, facilitating the construction of much-needed affordable homes. Now, Allia C&C is extending this impact through this reinvestment initiative to support not-for-profit social enterprises and community projects that promote the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of Scottish communities. 

Peter Freer, director, debt capital markets and head of Allia C&C’s Scottish Office, said: “As a socially responsible financial organisation, we are committed to driving both financial success and tangible social progress. Our decision to provide grants from our own income underscores this commitment and reflects our dedication to making a real difference to communities across Scotland.”

In May 2024, Allia C&C sought grant proposals from housing associations and other charities, receiving a range of applications from across Scotland. By July 2024, £150,000 was allocated to seven projects that align with the company’s long-term vision of building resilient and equitable communities. The Tannahill Centre in Paisley, and the Simon Community in Glasgow, are just two of the seven organisations to benefit from the funding initiative. 

Paul Irwin, Tannahill Centre manager, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Allia C&C for this vital funding. We were thrilled with our successful application and this funding will allow us to expand our services for seniors, offering meals and social activities. It has enabled us to grow our free counselling services for residents, breaking down barriers that often prevent people in this area from accessing professional support.”

Lorraine McGrath, chief executive of Simon Community Scotland, added: “We are incredibly proud that Allia C&C has recognised the vision and potential of our Connect Hub, which provides essential support to women experiencing homelessness in Glasgow. We are deeply appreciative of this generous contribution which will empower us to expand our reach and strengthen the connection between our Hub and crucial tenancy support services.”

Housing minister, Paul McLennan said: “Since 2014, the Scottish Government has invested over £460 million in 38 Charitable Bonds to support Registered Social Landlords in Scotland to access the funding they need to deliver new affordable homes. This has helped to generate over £141m in charitable donations to worthy causes throughout Scotland.

“I value the contribution Allia C&C have made in delivering the Charitable Bond Programme and I’m pleased that they have made a further round of donations worth £150,000 to seven important causes that are helping to build a fairer and more prosperous Scotland.”